Brooklyn based pianist Noah Haidu brings his estimable
talent and fleet lyricism to his sophomore release, Momentum, an above average trio recording of old and new standards
and three well-crafted originals. A gifted interpreter who appreciates the
melodic structure of songs, Haidu digs into pliable tunes like the charming opener,
“I Thought About You,” which swings gracefully. Further on, he navigates fast
changes on a shifty arrangement of “The End Of A Love Affair” with an impressive
skill that embodies the essence of post bop piano masters like former teacher,
Kenny Barron.

Haidu’s rising star is propelled by a sure technique that
brings out a welcome emotive quality in his playing -- attributes he brought to
bear on a previous quintet album, Slipstream
(Posi-tone, 2011.) An equally strong effort like Momentum hinges on the interplay between the musicians, and the in-the-pocket
accompaniment by bassist Ariel de la Portilla and drummer McClenty Hunter gives
the recording an urbane modern twist. Listening to this collection reminds one
of trio recordings by Wynton Kelly yet the pianist isn’t derivative. He does,
however, give a tip of the hat to McCoy Tyner on his own spiffy tune called “Cookie
Jar” that is instilled with a harmonic freshness and degree of modernism that
is all Haidu. (9 tracks; 44 minutes)